Celebrating my own personal independence

Nature gave me plenty to celebrate today. I’ve spent two of the last three 4th of Julys in Europe, and each time has been its own special kind of wonderful. In 2023, I found myself at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, enjoying an American-style 4th of July celebration complete with Motown music and fireworks. This year, Iceland offered up its own dazzling show—crystal clear waters framed by steep cliffs, with waterfalls spilling gracefully down the mountainsides into the fjords below.

I took it all in from a tiny prop plane flying from Akureyri to Grimsey Island, crossing the Arctic Circle along the way. Talk about a spectacular way to spend the day.

Grimsey’s population? Just 20. Its lifeblood is fishing, tourism, and—my favorite new fact—puffin counting.

From walking across the Arctic Circle just beyond the airport fence, to spotting puffins and arctic terns, to hiking my way toward what turned out to be some of the best soup I’ve ever had (thank you Krian Restaurant for the cream of asparagus—something I don’t even like!), it was all perfect. Even at $28 for soup, two slices of homemade bread, and a can of beer, there were no complaints—only teary eyes and overwhelming gratitude for a life that’s given me so much more than I ever thought possible.

I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate my own personal independence. It was breathtaking, refreshing, and everything I didn’t know I needed.

My life may be non-traditional in more ways than one, but as I keep spinning around this world—53 countries down, with 25+ more to come in the next ten months—I remind myself daily: this is a life of my choosing, a life by design.

Pinch me.

As you celebrate our nation’s independence, take a moment to celebrate your own personal victories. You deserve it.

Over and out

— Cole 🌍✈️

There’s no Blue Notes here today 😉